Pigmentation patches

The different coloured pigmentation patches that often occur on the face and are thus usually unwanted, occur for different reasons. The most common brown patches, so called hyperpigmentation, are often caused by sun exposure or ageing, result from moles or have been influenced by hormones. Pale and white patches occur in cases of vitiligo, albinism or following fungal infections. Reddish or bluish skin discolorations are not usually due to a pigmentation disorder, but lots of vessels clustering in one place such as with so called ‘port wine stain’ birth marks and spider veins. The many possible reasons for pigmentation patches require a diagnosis from your GP who, in collaboration with your plastic surgeon, can best advise on the treatment options, whether it be conservative therapy, an operation or laser treatment that is required.